THE STRUGGLE OF THE TWO FEMALE CHARACTERS, ELLEN & MAY AGAINST SOCIETY, “THE AGE OF INNOCENCE”- EDITH WHARTHON

Abstract

The Age of innocence, Edith Wharton’s best-known novel introduces to the reader an open view of the
New York society in the late 19th century. The two main female characters Ellen and May represent two
different struggles of the individual, in this case women against this old-fashioned world. This study will
mainly focus on the continuous confrontation of these women towards society. May was raised up to be
the obedient daughter and wife, whereas Ellen shows signs of intellectual freedom. This paper reveals the
struggle of May and Ellen who represent the obedience of an innocent Edith Wharton and the awakening
of a mature author and woman. Qualitative research used in this study, based on literary books and
different articles aims to give a clear image and a deep analysis of the novel’s two female characters and
their difficulties to overcome the rough society. The end of the paper transmits the message that the female
characters, as Edith herself failed to be happy in their arranged marriages, affected by the old- fashioned
society.